Human Relations Commission

The PHRC works to eliminate unlawful discrimination and to empower the people of Providence through education, advocacy, and collaboration, to ensure access to resources, protection of rights, and promotion of positive community relations.

Formed in 1963, our goal is to foster mutual understanding and respect among the city’s diverse populations, and ensure equal opportunities for all Providence residents in housing, education, employment, credit, and public accommodations by combating discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, age, or country of ancestral origin.

Discrimination threatens the welfare of our citizens and undermines our ability to thrive as a diverse city. If you feel that you have been illegally discriminated against, please call us at 421-2489 x5378.

We want to help you!

Programs

The PHRC provides free educational outreach to the general public through workshops and seminars about issues related to inter-group relations, civil rights, and human relations, as well as general information about illegal discrimination. For more information about our upcoming events and meetings, please click the ‘Calendar’ button below.

Human Relations Commission Events

View Department Calendar

Meetings of the Providence Human Relations Commission are held monthly and are open to the public. The facilities are accessible to people with disabilities. Please call Director Kayla Powell at (401) 680.5378 for details.

The PHRC works in partnership with our state-level counterpart, the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights, to fully review charges of discrimination. If you believe that you have been a victim of illegal discrimination, we encourage you to file an official charge. Charges must be filed within six months (180 days) from the alleged unlawful act.

To file a charge, contact the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights at (401) 222-2661, or visit www.richr.state.ri.us.